September 2014
Dear Parent/Carer
I do hope your son/daughter has enjoyed their first year of the GCSE Drama course; with Unit 2 and
therefore 30% of the course complete. I have spoken with each student individually and discussed
their marks for Unit 2 and how to move forwards in year 11; I hope they have shared this information
with you.
Students will now begin work on Unit 1 of their Drama GCSE. This part of the course involves your
son/daughter exploring a theme, topic or issue within Drama. The issue we will be exploring is ‘The
Columbine Massacre’. Students will work practically for 6 lessons that are videoed for moderation
purposes, and then create written coursework. All marks will count towards 30% of their overall
GCSE grade.
The reason I write is to inform parents/carers of the GCSE expectations. Drama is different to other
subjects where students work autonomously for much of the time. In Drama we almost always work
in groups. Students who are not committed to rehearsing or learning lines unfortunately let other
group members down. It is imperative that attendance is good throughout their practical exam and
coursework lessons. Students have their lessons on a Tuesday (week 1), both Thursdays and a
Friday (week 2). Please could I ask for your support here. Unless a student is really unwell, which of
course is sometimes unavoidable, please could you ensure that your son or daughter is present for all
Drama lessons during the exam period, and that they understand the importance of their role within
the group. If an exam lesson is missed I will require a doctor’s note, or appropriate, to send to the
exam board. Absent students are missing the opportunity to gain marks. I am certain that with
commitment from everyone we will achieve good results.
The schedule of exam lessons is attached.
Please also be advised that after every practical exam lesson, students will have homework that
requires them to write notes reflecting on what they have done in the exam lesson. These notes are
then used to complete the written coursework. There will also be an after school coursework help
st
th
session, run between 21 and 28 November.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Mrs A Maton
Drama Teacher
……………………………………………………………………………………………………...
REPLY SLIP: GCSE Drama (Please return to Mrs Maton)
Student.......................................................................
Tutor Group................................
We confirm receipt of the exam schedule, and would like our support to be acknowledged in
upholding the expectations for the forthcoming GCSE Drama exam.
Signed......................................................................... Parent/Carer
Date.......................
Claydon High School
Church Lane, Claydon, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP6 0EG
Telephone: 01473 836110, Facsimile: 01473 836117
Email: [email protected] Website: www.claydonhigh.co.uk
Headteacher: Mrs.S.Skinner BEd (Hons)
GCSE DRAMA SCHEDULE – UNIT 1
DATE
th
11 September
th
12 September
th
16 September
th
18 September
th
25 September
th
26 September
th
30 September
nd
2 October
th
9 October
th
10 October
th
14 October
th
16 October
rd
23 October
th
4 November
th
6 November
th
13 November
th
14 November
th
18 November
th
20 November
th
27 November
th
28 November
nd
2 December
th
4 December
th
11 December
th
12 December
EXAM
Exam prep
Exam prep
Exam prep
Exam prep
Exam prep (Yr11 L&T trip)
Exam prep
Practical exam 1
Notes on practical exam 1
Practical exam 2
Notes on practical exam 2 + Exam prep.
Practical exam 3
Notes on practical exam 3 + Exam prep. (Yr11 Spanish trip)
WOW week – no exam
Practical exam 4
Notes on practical exam 4
Practical exam 5
Notes on practical exam 5
Practical exam 6
Notes on practical exam 6 + coursework prep
Controlled coursework write up
Controlled coursework write up
Controlled coursework write up
Controlled coursework write up
Controlled coursework write up (if needed)*
*Begin Unit 3 rehearsals